When designing a product that’s going to be used in a harsh environment where the intrusion of dust or liquids is a concern, it’s imperative that engineers and designers select the best sealed switches available for their application. To find a sealed switch, you’ll first need to check the ingress protection (IP) rating, which grades the resistance and resilience of an enclosure against dust and liquids.
You’ll find a basic summary of how to understand IP ratings directly below, but continue reading to reach sections on the best sealed pushbutton, anti-vandal, tactile, rocker, toggle, slide, snap action, detector and rotary DIP switches.
Best Sealed Switches: IP Rating Meaning
The IP Rating Chart, also known as the IP Code, is a standardized system used to classify and rate the degree of protection provided by an electronic device against the intrusion of solids and liquids. The IP Rating is typically used to describe the environmental protection of products like switches, smartphones, outdoor lighting, industrial equipment and more.
The IP Rating consists of two digits, with each digit representing a specific aspect of protection.
Degrees of Ingress Protection: First Digit
The first digit of ingress protection ratings indicates the degree of protection against dust.
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects over 50mm (e.g. accidental touch by hands) |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects over 12mm (e.g. fingers) |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm (e.g. tools and wires) |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects over 1mm (e.g. small tools and small wires) |
| 5 | Protected against dust; limited ingress (no harmful deposit) |
| 6 | Totally protected against dust |
Degrees of Ingress Protection: Second Digit
The second digit of ingress protection ratings indicates the degree of protection against moisture.
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against vertically falling drops of water |
| 2 | Protected against direct sprays up to 15° from the vertical |
| 3 | Protected against sprays up to 60° from the vertical |
| 4 | Protected against sprays from all directions; limited ingress permitted |
| 5 | Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions; limited ingress permitted |
| 6 | Protected against strong jets of water (e.g. for use on ship decks); limited ingress permitted |
| 7 | Protected against the effects of temporary immersion between 15cm and 1m for 30 minutes |
| 8 | Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure |
Process Seal vs. IP Rated Seal
Based on the above, our standard for defining a “process sealed” switch is “sealed to meet the minimum requirements of IP67.” A process sealed switch withstands a typical water washing procedure that takes place during the PCB assembly cleaning process to remove flux and other contaminates from the finished PCB assembly. An IP rated sealed switch withstands various predefined levels of protection from dust and moisture.
Common IP Ratings for Switches
IP40 – Most switches fall within this rating, where there is protection from solid objects larger than 1mm.
IP54 – Typically referred to as weather resistant, meaning it is resistant to rain but not a soaking with a hose.
IP65 – Same as above, but can actually protect against a water hose.
IP66 – Protected against strong jets of water.
IP67 – Protected against temporary water immersion in less than 1 meter deep.
IP68 – Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure.
Best Sealed Pushbutton Switches
#1. 800A Series
- IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- SPST or SPDT; momentary function with 0.9mm of travel
- Through-hole mounting (THT) design
- PC Pin: straight, horizontal right angle, vertical right angle, V-bracket
- Electrical Ratings: Silver – 3A, 120VAC or 28VDC (UL listed); Gold – 0.4VA, 20V Max. (AC or DC)
- Long life expectancy of 50,000 cycles and robust -30°C to +85°C operating temp
#2. RP8200 Series
- IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- SPST; maintained (latching) function
- LED dot illumination options with 200,000-cycle life
- Threaded mount
- Electrical Rating: 100mA @ 24VDC
- Seven different cap color choices
#3. RP8300 Series
- IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- SPST circuit; momentary function
- Electrical Rating: 500mA @ 48VAC, 200mA @ 50VDC/250VAC
- Metal Diecast housing (black, stain nickel or chrome)
- LED illumination options with 500,000-cycle life
#4. RP8600 Series
- IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- Square pushbutton with threaded mount for 16mm panel cutout
- SPST circuit; momentary function
- Contact Rating: 0.4VA Max. @ 20V Max. (AC or DC)
- Life expectancy of 100,000 cycles
#5. PB66 Series
- IP66 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- Illuminated and non-illuminated options; laser etched power symbol
- DPST circuit; latching function
- Contact Rating: 16A, 127VAC (UL listed)
- 25mm diameter panel cutout
#6. LA Series
- IP65 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- Three panel cutout sizes: 22.00mm, 25.50mm or 30.50mm
- SPDT, DPDT, 3PDT or 4PDT; momentary, latching or pilot light functions
- Contact Ratings: 5A @ 250VAC, 8A @ 125VAC, 0.2A @ 250VDC, 6A @ 24VDC
- LED, neon or incandescent lamps available
Best Sealed Anti-Vandal Switches
#1. PV2 Series
- IP65 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- 16mm diameter panel cutout
- Domed, flat or high actuator options
- SPST circuit; momentary function
- Solder, screw or wire leads (300mm) termination
- Gold, nickel, polished stainless, brushed stainless or black anodized finish
#2. PV5 Series
- IP65 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- 12mm diameter panel cutout size
- Solder, screw or wire leads (300mm) termination
- Raised or domed actuator; eight actuator finish options
- Long mechanical life of 1M cycles and 200K electrical life
#3. PV6 Series
- IP65 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- 16mm diameter panel cutout size
- SPST circuit; momentary function with high or flat actuator
- Illuminated ring, dot, power symbol or non-illuminated
- LED color choices, including bi-color and RGB
- Nickel, stainless steel or black anodized finish
#4. PVA6 Series
- IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- 16mm diameter panel cutout size
- SPST circuit; momentary or latching function
- Illuminated ring or ring/power symbol; many LED colors, bi-color
- Solder lug, wire leads (500mm) or molded back with leads
#5. CS Series
- IP68 rating for protection against dust and moisture
- Touch sensor: capacitive switching technology (1A of 5-24VDC)
- Ring or ring/power symbol lens styles in red, green or blue
- 19mm or 22mm diameter panel cutout sizes
- SPST; latching or momentary
- Long life of 50 million cycles
#6. ULV4 Series
- IP67 rated for protection against dust and moisture
- 19mm diameter panel cutout size
- SPDT or DPDT circuit; momentary or latching function
- Contact Rating: 3A 250VAC (UL listed)
- Long life of 500,000 cycles
- Illuminated dot, ring, power symbol or over 40 commonly used graphic icons
- Solder lug, wire leads (300mm), molded boot with leads or detachable socket with leads
Best Sealed Tactile Switches
#1. TL3145 Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- 6.45mm x 6.45mm outline with 3.5mm or 5.2mm actuator height
- Surface mount (SMT) design with J-lead termination
- Long life of up to 3M cycles
- -40°C to +85°C operating temperature
#2. TL6215 Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- Long life of 500,000 cycles and -20°C to +70°C operating temperature
- 7.70mm x 6.37mm outline
- Through hole (THT) design; vertical or right angle mounting
- Multiple LED color options and cap options
#3. TL6330 Series
- IP67 rated protection against dust and moisture
- Surface mount design (SMT)
- 2.80mm x 4.60mm outline with 1.90mm or 2.50mm actuator height
- Robust operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C
- Long life of 200,000 cycles
#4. TL6340 Series
The TL6340 Series tactile switch is a right angle, surface mountable (SMT) switch with a 2.90mm x 3.85mm x 2.00mm footprint. The actuator on this tact switch is only 0.8mm off the PCB surface, making it a great choice for applications where space is limited. The TL6340 Series is an Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST) momentary tact switch with an actuation force of 160 grams and carries an IP67 rating for dust and moisture protection. It has a life expectancy of 200,000 cycles with a travel of 0.2mm. This tactile switch also has an industrial level operating and storage temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.
#5. TL6800 Series
The TL6800 Series tactile switch is sealed to an IP67 rating for protection against dust and moisture and features a long life expectancy of up to a million cycles. Two actuation force options are available for this surface mount tact switch: 160gf and 260gf. TL6800 Series tact switches can handle temperatures ranging from -40°C to 90°C. These IP67 rated switches are silver plated, with a SPST circuit, and an electrical current rating of 50mA @ 12VDC.
#6. TL9320 Series
The TL9320 Series sealed, long life tactile switch features an array of benefits, including a moisture protection rating of IP67, giving complete protection against temporary water submersion. This, combined with its 500,000 cycle life expectancy, makes this switch well suited for a variety of applications in multiple markets. TL9320 Series tactile switches come conveniently contained within 8.4mm x 8.4mm housing, making it a well-rounded tact switch capable of handling today’s consumer and commercial functions.
Best Sealed Rocker Switches
#1. WB2 Series
The WB2 Series high current power rocker switch has a panel cutout of 22mm x 30mm and an internal dust and water protection seal rated IP55. These heavy duty, power rocker switches are meant for 2-pole maintained and momentary functions. The WB2 Series high current rocker switch has an electrical rating of 20A,125/250VAC T65/T85 with cURus approval. This power rocker switch mounts to a panel cutout sized 22mm x 30mm and comes with a curved actuator.
#2. RB5 Series
The RB5 Series rocker switch is designed for high quality and high reliability. These sealed switches are available with five electrical ratings, providing an IP67 rating. Dual Illumination is available in five colors. This switch also features eight marking options. The RB5 Series rocker switch is meant for front panel mounting in cutouts sized 22mm by 30.2mm. These rockers perform two pole maintained or momentary functions. Electrical ratings range from 16-20amps and the electrical life on these switches is 10,000 cycles. All RB5 Series rockers are cURus and ENEC15 approved.
#3. R7 Series
The R7 Series illuminated, sealed rocker switch offers many features and is one of the most customizable rocker switches available at E-Switch. There are many actuator styles to choose from and many LED rocker switch illumination options as well, including dual LED illumination in multiple colors. The R7 Series sealed rocker switch is made for harsh environments and has a sleek, ergonomic actuator design. It is UL listed and rated to IP67 standards for total protection from dust and immersion up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. It offers single- or double-pole circuits with up to three actuator positions. You also have your choice of termination options: solder, quick connect or screw.
Best Sealed Toggle Switches
#1. 200A Series
The 200A Series subminiature, sealed toggle switch is protected from dust and moisture at an IP67 rating. It is offered with both Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) and Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT) circuits for completing both momentary and maintained (latching) functions. The 200A can be PC board mounted at a right angle or vertically with a toggle switch mounting bracket. Eight different termination options are available and actuator options include metal or plastic. Contacts are available in both silver and gold, with an electrical rating of up to 3A, 120VAC with cURus approval. These toggle switches can handle alternating or direct currents.
#2. ST4 Series
ST4 Series sealed toggle switches are rated IP68 for dust and moisture protection and offer single pole or double pole circuit function with 2 or 3 actuator positions. Select from 10 different function options and three electrical rating options. This toggle switch features either a 17mm metal or 22mm plastic bat actuator. The ST4 Series toggle switch also offers four terminal options: 3/16” quick connect, 1/4” quick connect, solder lug and screw terminal. The ST4 Series industrial toggle switch series joins the ST1, ST2, and ST3 Series of heavy-duty toggles. These ST Series toggle switches are UL approved.
Best Sealed Slide Switch
#1. 500R Series
The 500R Series sealed slide switch offers an IP67 rating for protection from water, dust and the elements, and with a 40,000 cycle life expectancy, you can depend on this slide switch. The actuator has up to three positions, has both Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) and Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT) circuit options, and comes with gold contacts that have electrical ratings of 0.4VA of 20V alternating or direct current. 500R Series sealed slide switches are PC board mountable at a right angle or vertically. These slide switches can work well in a variety of applications and markets where protection from moisture and dust is of a concern.
Best Sealed Snap Action Switch
#1. WS1 Series
The WS1 Series sealed snap action switch is UL certified and has an IP67 rating, making it totally protected from dust and the effects of temporary immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. This sealed switch operates in temperatures ranging from -40 to 85°C. The WS1 Series sealed snap action switch has SPDT circuits, with a long mechanical life of at least 500,000 cycles. It comes in either 0.1A or 3A current rating and is compatible with both DC and AC. It has two different termination options: solder lug or wire leads.
Best Sealed Detector Switch
#1. TD1250 Series
The TD1250 Series features a mechanical life expectancy of 500,000 cycles at minimum and operates in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. These long life detector switches also provide moisture and dust protection at an IP67 rating. They have an electrical rating ranging from 1mA, 5VDC to 50mA, 16VDC with an electrical life expectancy of 300,000 at 5VDC, 1mA, 200,000 cycles at 12VDC, 50mA, and 150,000 cycles at 16VDC, 50mA. The TD1250 Series sealed detector switch offers Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST), Normally Open (NO) functionality and offers PCB or solder lug termination options. The compact housing size is a good fit for applications with limited space, measuring 8.25mm (L) x 5.25mm (W) x 11.70mm (H). Multiple actuator options include pin plunger, straight lever and an S-shaped lever that all require 160gf to actuate.
Best Sealed Rotary DIP Switch
#1. RDT Series
The RDT Series sealed, rotary DIP switch offers convenience in a small package size and is sealed to an IP67 rating. This rotary DIP switch offers four, six, eight, 10 or 16 positions and has right angle or vertical PC board mounting options. Surface mount, through hole termination is also available. RDT Series sealed, rotary DIP switches with surface mount termination operate in temperatures ranging from -60 to 125ºC. The through hole design operates in temperatures ranging from -40 to 85ºC. These sealed DIP switches arrive in tape and reel or tube packaging with either extended or flush actuators.
